Foldable boats

ABSTRACT

A foldable boat having removable end panels, a pair of hinged bottom panels and a pair of side panels each of which is hingedly connected to one of the bottom panels. The hinged connections are provided by flexible, water-resistant fabrics secured to the connected members, and compressible gaskets are employed between connected members to provide a watertight seal. The hinged panels are maintained in their open, watertight position by transverse ribs, the removable end panels, and seats which are removably attached to the side panels and end panels.

United States Patent [151 3,639,933

Trowbridge Feb. 8, 1972 [54] FOLDABLE BOATS Prirnary ExamitzerMilton Buchler 72 Inventor: James L. Trowbridge, Route 2, Nesh- Rutledge koro, Wis. 54960 [22] Filed: Aug. 6, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 61,647

[52] US. Cl ..9/2 F {51 Int. Cl ..B63b 7/00 [58] Field ofSearch ..9/2,2F,2S

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,287,055 6/1942 Olson ..9/2 X 2,l57,l86 5/l939 Pinter, Sr. et al ..9/2

Attorney.loseph G. Werner, Theodore J Long, John M. Winter and James A. Kemmeter [5 7] ABSTRACT A foldable boat having removable end panels, a pair of hinged bottom panels and a pair of side panels each of which is hingedly connected to one of the bottom panels. The hinged connections are provided by flexible, water-resistant fabrics secured to the connected members, and compressible gaskets are employed between connected members to provide a watertight seal. The hinged panels are maintained in their open, watertight position by transverse ribs, the removable end panels, and seats which are removably attached to the side panels and end panels.

11 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTED FEB 8 I972 SHEET 1 BF 2 INVENTOR.

JAMES L.TROWBRIDGE ATT RNEY PATENTFU FEB 8|972 3,639,933 sum 2 BF 2 INVENTOR. I JAMES L. TROWBRIDGE BY WM RNE S.

FOLDABLE BOATS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to small boats, and more particularly to an improved foldable boat having a plurality of hingedly connected elongated bottom and side panels, and detachable end panels.

2. Description of the Prior Art In recent years, the demand has increased for boats which can be easily transported by their owners, who often reside at some distance from navigable water. Trailers are used extensively for transporting boats, but both the trailer and the boat require substantial storage space, which for many urbanites is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to provide.

A practical solution for many such persons would be a collapsible boat which could be folded into a compact package for storage and transport, and which would be easily assembled at the water site into a seaworthy boat. Several such boats have been developed in attempts to provide such a device. One general type of collapsible boat which has been developed is the folding boat, wherein elongated bottom and side panels of various designs are hingedly connected by flexible hinges.

Such hinged connections have presented several problems. One problem is the difficulty of limiting the relative lateral movement of the hinged panels. Such movement can have a shearing effect on the flexible hinge material, and can ultimately cause its failure. This is particularly serious where the hinge connection must provide the primary watertight seal between the hinged panels. A second problem has been the need to develop a design whereby the boat may be converted from its relatively flat storage position to its open position simply and easily, without requiring tools or separate connector devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION My invention ofiers a practical answer to the need for a durable, foldable boat which can be easily assembled at the water site. My boat has a pair of hinged bottom panels, and a pair of side panels each of which is hingedly connected to one of the bottom panels. The hinged panels form a bottom and side assembly which may be folded into a relatively flat, compact closed position for transport and storage, or an open position for use on the water. The panel connection means each include a flexible, water-resistant hinge attached to the inside surfaces of the two connected panels, and a compressible, water impervious gasket material which is compressed between the connected panels when said bottom and side assembly is in its open position. In addition, the hinged panels are shaped to prevent relative lateral movement between said panels when the assembly is in its open position. This substantially prevents significant shearing forces from being applied to the flexible hinges. A plurality of removable ribs are detachably mounted transversely across the inside surfaces of the hinged panels to maintain said panels in their open position during use.

End panels are removably secured to the ends of the open bottom and side assembly to provide the bow and stem ends of the boat. The end panels include gasket means which are compressed between each end panel and the side and bottom panels in watertight relation, and means for detachably secur ing the end panels to the side and bottom panels. Seats are secured to the end and side panels of the boat.

My foldable boat can be easily assembled and disassembled without tools, and without independent fastener means. When disassembled, the folded bottom and side assembly, end panels, seats and transverse ribs comprise a relatively flat, compact package which requires a minimum amount of space for both storage and transport.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of my assembled foldable boat.

FIG. 2 is a partial section view taken along section line 22 of FIG. 1, illustrating the bottom hinge connection when the bottom and side assembly is in its open position.

FIG. 3 is a section view taken at the same location as FIG. 2, illustrating the bottom and side assembly in closed position.

FIG. 4 is a partial secn'on view taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 1, illustrating a side hinge connection when the bottom and side assembly is in its open position.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the transom end panel of my foldable boat detached from the bottom and side assembly.

FIG. 6 is a section view taken along section line 6-6 in FIG. 1, illustrating the manner of attachment of the transverse ribs to the side panels of my foldable boat.

FIG. 7 is a partial section view taken along section line 77 of FIG. 1, illustrating the means of attachment of the bottom panels to the end panel, and of the end seats to the end panel and the side panels.

FIG. 8 is a partial section view taken along section line 8-8 of FIG. 1, illustrating the attachment means for securing the side panels to the end panels of my foldable boat.

FIG. 9 is a partial section view taken along section line 99 of FIG. 1, illustrating the means for attaching the center seat to the side panels of my foldable boat.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring more particularly to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts, FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of my foldable boat in its assembled form. It is seen from FIG. 1 that my foldable boat 9 includes a bottom and side assembly 10 with a right bottom panel 11, a left bottom panel 12, a right side panel 13, and a left side panel 14. A transom end panel 15 and a bow end panel 16 are attached to the ends of the open bottom and side assembly 10. A pair of transverse stiffener ribs 17 extend across the open boat and are connected to the side panels 13 and 14. End seats 18 and 19 are connected to transom end panel 15 and bow end panel 16, respectively, and side panels 13 and 14. Center seat 20 is connected to side panels 13 and 14 at a location approximately midway between said end panels.

The means of connection for the various parts of my foldable boat 9 are shown in more detail in FIGS. 2-10. Right and left bottom panels 11 and 12 are connected by bottom hinge means 28 in the form of a flexible strip of water-resistant material which is fastened to the upper surfaces 24 and 25 of the bottom panels 11 and 12, respectively. Any flexible, water-resistant material which has sufficient strength to maintain the hinge connection between said bottom panels during normal usage is suitable for my flexible hinge 28. I have found that heavy gauge nylon fabric is very suitable for this purpose. The bottom hinge means 28 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 shows the bottom panels 11 and 12 when the bottom and side assembly 10 is in its open in use position. FIG. 3 illustrates the bottom hinge means when the assembly 10 is in its closed or storage" position, wherein the bottom panels 11 and 12 are substantially parallel. In the open position illustrated in FIG. 2, the inside edges 22 and 23 of bottom panels 11 and 12, respectively, are substantially in abutment. It is seen that inside edge 22 has a groove 22a, and that inside edge 23 has a tongue 23a which engages the groove 22: to prevent relative movement between said bottom panels in a vertical direction, as viewed in FIG. 2. Accordingly, the bottom panels 11 and 12 are substantially prevented from transmitting any vertical shearing forces to the flexible hinge 28.

A compressible gasket 29 is located between facing portions of the panel inside edges 22 and 23 whereby it is compressed between said edges. The compressed gasket 29 constitutes the primary watertight seal between the bottom panels 11 and 12. The flexible hinge 28 provides a secondary seal between the bottom panels in the event that water might get past the compressible gasket 29. Means in the form of a keel 30 preferably cover the compressible gasket 29 to protect it from physical damage. The illustrated keel 30 includes a right keel strip 31 secured to the lower surface 26 of the right bottom panel 11, and a left keel strip 32 secured to the lower surface 27 of the left bottom panel 12. The keel strips 31 and 32 should be shaped to completely cover the compressible gasket 29 when the bottom panels 11 and 12 are in their open position illustrated in FIG. 2, and may have whatever external shape is required to provide the desired water handling characteristics.

FIG. 4 illustrates the side hinge means of my foldable boat 9 when the bottom and side assembly is in its open position. In my preferred embodiment, the side panel 14 has a lower end 34 with an inwardly projecting toe 35 and an outwardly facing heel 36. The outside edge 37 of the bottom panel 12 has an upwardly extending flange 38 against which the heel 36 of the side panel 14 bears when the bottom and side assembly 10 is in its open position. A stationary clamp 39 is secured to the bottom panel upper surface 25 a spaced distance from the flange 38, and extends longitudinally along the bottom panel 12 for substantially its entire length. The stationary clamp 39 has an outer bearing surface 40 against which the upper surface of the side panel toe 35 bears when the hinged panels 12 and 14 are in the open position illustrated in FIG. 4.

A compressible side gasket 41 is positioned adjacent to the said outer bearing surface 40 such that the side panel toe 35 will engage the side gasket 41 and compress it against the clamp outer bearing surface 40, and bottom panel upper surface 25, as shown, to provide the primary watertight seal between the bottom panel 12 and the side panel 14. A flexible side hinge 33 formed by a flexible strip of water-resistant material is attached to the upper surface of the stationary clamp 39 and the inside surface 14a of the side panel. The flexible side hinge 33 extends for substantially the entire length of the side panel 14 and the stationary clamp 39, and comprises a secondary seal against water intrusion.

It is seen from FIG. 4 that when the bottom panel 12 and side panel 14 are in their open position, the upper face of the side panel toe 35 bears against the clamp outer bearing surface 40, and the lower face of the panel toe 25 bears against the upper surface 25 of the bottom panel 12 to substantially prevent relative vertical movement between the bottom panel 12 and the side panel 14. Similarly, the outer end 42 of the stationary clamp 39 engages the notch 14b in side panel 14, and the bottom panel flange 38 engages the heel 36 of the side panel 14 to prevent relative movement between the side panel 14 and the bottom panel 12 in a horizontal direction, as viewed in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the bottom panel 12 and side panel 14 are substantially prevented from transmitting any horizontal or vertical shearing forces to the flexible side hinge 33 when the side hinge is in its open position illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 3 illustrates the side hinge 33 in its closed position, wherein the side panels 13 and 14 have been pivoted on the flexible side hinges 33 to closed positions wherein they are substantially parallel to bottom panels 11 and 12, respectively, for ease of transportation and storage. The hinged panels 11-14 are seen from FIG. 3 to comprise a compact assembly when in the illustrated closed position for ease of handling and storage.

The bottom and side assembly 10 is locked in its open position for further assembly and use by a plurality of rigid transverse ribs 71, shown in FIG. 1. The transverse ribs 71 are generally U-shaped to conform to the transverse configuration of the bottom and side panels when the bottom and side assembly is in its open position. FIG. 6 shows the preferred means for attachment of the transverse ribs 71. Each upwardly extending end 71a of each rib 71 has an elongated hole 72 therein. Rib locking pins 73 are mounted vertically in the gunwale 74 extending along the top edge of the side panel 14 at each desired rib location. The locking pins 73 engage the holes 72 in the ribs 71 to lock the ribs in place. The locking pins 73 are biased downwardly toward the illustrated locking position by compression springs 75, as shown, Spaced locator strips 76 are attached to the side panels 13 and 14 on either side of the transverse ribs 71 to prevent longitudinal movement of the ribs when locked in place. If desired, locking means (not shown) may be mounted on bottom panels 11 and 12 for engaging the transverse ribs to provide a rigid connection therebetween. The transverse ribs 71 provide rigid transverse reinforcement of the bottom and side panels of my foldable boat 9, and maintain the hinged connections of the panels in their rigid open positions when the boat is in its assembled condition. The transverse ribs may be removed by pulling the locking pins 73 upwardly to disengage them from the elongated holes 72 in the ends of the ribs 71, thereby permitting the ribs to be freely removed from the bottom and side assembly.

FIG. 5 illustrates the inside surface 151: of the transom end panel 15. It is seen that an outer flange 44 and an inner flange 45 extend along both sides and the bottom of the end panel 15 in spaced, parallel relation to form a gasket well 43. The gasket well 43 is of sufficient width to receive the ends of the bottom panels 11 and 12, and the side panels 13 and 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, respectively. A compressible end gasket 46 is positioned within the gasket well 43 such that it will be compressed between the end panel 15 and the bottom panels 11 and 12, and side panels 13 and 14, when said panels are locked together, to provide a water-impervious seal. Locking means in the form of locking clips 47 and locking bolts 48 are provided to secure the end panel 15 to the bottom panels 11 and 12, and side panels 13 and 14, respectively. The locking clips 47, best illustrated in FIG. 7, are preferably made of spring steel. Each locking clip 47 has a base portion 47a which is secured to the inside surface 15a of the end panel 15 adjacent to the inner flange 45. A leg portion 47b is biased against the inner flange 45 by the spring action of the clip. The leg portion 47b extends beyond the end of the inner flange 45 to a hook portion 470, which extends downwardly from the leg portion 47b at a substantially right angle thereto and thence curves outwardly and upwardly, as shown in FIG. 7. A locking lug 12a extends upwardly from the upper surface 25 of the bottom panel 12. When the end of the bottom panel 12 is engaged within the gasket well 43 to compress the end gasket 46 and effect a watertight seal between the end panel 15 and the bottom panel 12, the locking lug will be retained against the gasket well inner flange 45 by the hook 47c of the locking clip. The end panel 15 and bottom panel 12 may be disengaged by simply lifting upwardly on the hook portion 47c of the locking clip 47 to cause the clip to disengage the bottom panel locking lug 12a, to permit separation of the panels. The end panel 15 and bottom panel 12 may be reengaged by simply inserting the end of the bottom panel into the gasket well 43 and forcing the locking lug 120 against the upwardly curved hook portion of the locking clip 47, thereby forcing the clip upwardly to permit the locking lug 12a to be forced into abutment with the inner flange 45, at which point the clip leg portion 47b will again be biased downward to cause the hook portion 47c to engage and lock the bottom panel 12 into place.

FIG. 8 shows the side panel 13 engaged within the gasket well 43 to compress the inner gasket 46 between the end of side panel 13 and the end panel 15 to form the required waterimpervious seal. The side panel 13 is locked to the end panel 15 by attachment means in the form of locking bolt 48, which extends through apertures 45a, 13a and 44a in inner flange 45, side panel 13 and outer flange 44, respectively. The locking bolt 48 has a shoulder 48a, which is biased outwardly against the side of the inner flange 45 by compression spring 49, which in turn is constrained by locking block 50 secured to the inside surface of the transom end panel 15. A bolt handle 52 extends outwardly from the locking bolt shoulder 48a through slot 51 in the locking block 50.

The locking bolt 48 may be withdrawn from the aperture 13a in side panel 13 by grasping the bolt handle 52 and sliding the handle inwardly against the resistance of the compression spring 49 until the bolt 48 has cleared the side panel 13. The side panel 13 may then be withdrawn from engagement with the end panel 15. The locking block 50 has an aperture 500 within which the locking bolt 48 is slidably engaged as shown.

After the side panel 13 has been withdrawn from the gasket well 43, the bolt handle 52 may be released, whereupon the compression spring 49 will return the bolt 48 to the outwardly biased position shown in FIG. 8. When it is desired to reengage the side panel 13 and the end panel 15, the bolt handle 52 is again forced inwardly against the action of the spring 49 to clear the gasket well 43 for entry of the end of the panel 13. When the panel aperture 13a is in alignment with flange apertures 44a and 45a, the bolt handle 52 is released, thereby permitting the spring 49 to return the bolt 48 to the outwardly biased position shown in FIG. 8 to lock the panels together for use. As shown in FIG. 5, two locking bolts 48 may be provided on each side of the end panel to secure the side panels to the end panel 15.

The bow end panel 16 is essentially similar to the transom end panel 15, although they may differ somewhat in size and shape, as shown in FIG. 1, and the transom end panel 15 may have a recess 15b for mounting an outboard motor. The means for securing the bow end panel 16 to the bottom panels 11 and 12 and side panels 13 and 14 is substantially identical to that described above with respect to transom end panel 15.

FIG. 7 also illustrates the manner in which end seats 18 and 19 are locked to the end panels 15 and 16, respectively, and to the side panels 13 and 14. Specifically, FIG. 7 shows the transom end seat 18 as it is secured to transom end panel 15 and side panel 14. The seat 18 has an upturned transverse edge 54 which is engaged within seat locking well 55. The locking well 55 is defined by a lower support flange 56 which extends outwardly from the inside surface 15a of transom end panel 15 to support the weight of the seat 18, and an upper locking flange 57 which extends outwardly and downwardly from the inside surface 150 to form the partially enclosed locking well 55. The seat 18 is attached to the locking well 55 by inserting the upturned transverse edge 54 of the seat through the space between the lower support flange 56 and upper locking flange 57, and then pivoting the forward portion of the seat 18 downwardly to cause the upturned edge 54 of the seat to move upwardly into the position shown in FIG. 7, wherein it is locked behind the downwardly extending lip 57a of the upper locking flange 57. As the seal 18 is pivoted toward the desired horizontal position, an arcuate slot 58 in the end panel 59, which extends downwardly at each end of the seat 18 near the front of the seat, engages a locking pin 60 extending outwardly from the side panel 14. The upper end 58a of the slot 58 and the body of the bolt 60a are shown as hidden lines in FIG. 7. A spring steel seat locking clip 61 engages locking block 62 when the seat is in its illustrated horizontal position to prevent the arcuate slot 58 from becoming accidentally disengaged from locking pin 60. The engagement of the locking clip 61 and the locking block 62 is preferably substantially identical to that previously described for end panel locking clips 47 and locking blocks 50. To detach the end seat 18 from the boat, the locking clips 61 are disengaged from the locking block 62, and the forward portion of the seat 18 is pivoted upwardly to disengage the arcuate slot 58 from the locking pin 60, and to cause the transverse edge 54 to pivot around the downwardly extending lip 57a of the upper locking flange 57, and out of the locking well 55.

It is seen that when the end seat 18 is locked in the horizontal position shown in FIG. 7, it provides an additional rigid locking connection between the end panel 15 and the side panels 13 and 14. Similarly, the bow end seat 19 is attached in the same manner to the bow end panel 16 and side panels 13 and 14 to provide an additional locking connection between said end and side panels.

The center seat is illustrated in its assembled position in FIG. 9. Locking bolts 63 and 64 extend inwardly in spaced relation from mounting brackets 65 secured to the side panels 13 and 14 of the boat in opposed relation. The center seat 20 has a slotted panel 66 secured to each end thereof. The slotted panel 66 has an elongated slot 67 with a forward portion 67a of greater width than the head of locking pin 63. The rearward portion 67b of slot 67 is of lesser width than the head of locking pin 63, but of greater width than the body of the pin. Accordingly, during assembly, the seat 20 is first positioned so that the forward portion 670 of the elongated slot 67 is fitted over the locking pin 63, and then the seat is slid forward until the body of pin 63 is engaged against the rear end of elongated slot 67. The seat 20 is then pivoted on locking pin 63 until the arcuate slot 68 of slotted panel 66 engages the body of locking bolt 64, which is spaced rearwardly from pin 63. When the seat 20 reaches the horizontal position illustrated in FIG. 9, seat-locking clip 69 engages seat-locking block 70 in the manner previously described with respect to end seat-locking clip 61 and locking block 62. The center seat 20 is thereby locked in place to prevent accidental dislodgment during use. The center seat 20 provides an additional rigid connection between side panels 13 and 14 to resist any tendency of said side panels to buckle outwardly or inwardly during use.

The center seat 20 may be detached from the boat by simply disengaging the locking clip 69 from locking block 70, pivoting the rear portion of the seat upwardly until the arcuate slot 68 is disengaged from locking pin 64, and then sliding the seat rearwardly on locking pin 63 until the forward portion 670 of the elongated slot 67 is in alignment with the locking pin 63. The seat 20 may then be removed from the boat by sliding the forward portion 67a of the slot over the head of the pin 63 to complete disengagement of the seat.

It is seen from the above description that my foldable boat can be readily assembled from the folded position illustrated in FIG. 3, by opening the bottom and side assembly 10 to its open position, locking the transverse ribs 71 into place to maintain the assembly 10 in its open position, locking end panels 15 and 16 to the ends of the bottom and side assembly, attaching the end seats 18 and 19 to further lock the ends panels to the side panels, and locking the center seat 20 in place. When assembled, the primary watertight seals for my foldable boat are provided by the compressed bottom gasket 29, the side gaskets 41 and the end gaskets 46. The flexible, water-resistant bottom hinge 28 and side hinges 33 provide a secondary watertight seal. The hinged panels are designed so that relative horizontal and vertical movements are substantially prevented to avoid shearing stresses on the flexible hinges.

My foldable boat 10 may be quickly disassembled for transportation and storage by reversing the assembly steps summarized above. FIG. 3 illustrates how the elongated bottom and side panels 11-44 may be folded into a flat package for storage and transport. The seats and end panels are also substantially flat for ease of handling and storage. The only other elements of my boat are the transverse ribs 71, which are easily handled and stored.

The bottom panels, side panels, end panels and seats of my foldable boat are preferably made of fiberglass or high-impact injection-molded plastic. However, any other material which possesses the desired strength and rigidity, without excessive weight, is suitable. My foldable boat 10 may be equipped with oarlocks and other conventional marine hardware as desired. While I have illustrated and described particular suitable attachment means for securing the end panels, seats and transverse ribs to my bottom and side assembly, it is obvious that other suitable attachment means may be employed without departing from my invention.

It is understood that the present invention is not confined to the particular construction or arrangement of parts herein illustrated and described, but embraces all such modified forms thereof as may come within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A foldable boat, comprising:

a. a bottom and side assembly comprising a pair of elongated bottom panels connected along adjacent edges in hinged relation and a pair of side panels each of which is hingedly connected to one of said bottom panels,

b. each of said bottom panels having an inside edge, an outside edge, an upper surface and a lower surface, one of said panel inside edges having a groove extending longitudinally thereof, and the other said panel inside edge having a tongue extending longitudinally thereof to engage said groove when said inside edges are in abutment,

c. a compressible bottom gasket secured to one of said panel inside edges,

d. a strip of flexible, water-resistant material secured to the upper surfaces of said bottom panels adjacent to said inside edges to provide bottom hinge means for permitting said bottom panels to be pivoted between an open position wherein said inside edges are substantially in abutment with said bottom gasket compressed therebetween to provide a watertight seal between said bottom panels, and a closed position wherein said bottom panels are approximately parallel,

. each said side panel having an inside surface and a lower end, a stationary clamp attached to the upper surface of each said bottom panel and extending parallel to said panel outside edge edge for substantially the length of said panel, said clamp having an outwardly facing bearing surface,

g. compressibly side gasket means located adjacent to each said clamp outside bearing surface,

h. a strip of flexible, water-resistant material secured to each said side panel inside surface above said lower end and to the clamp of the connected bottom panel to provide side hinge means for permitting said panels to be pivoted between an open position wherein each said side panel lower end presses said side gasket means against said clamp outer bearing surface to provide a watertight seal between said side panel and said bottom panel, and a closed position wherein said side panel is folded approximately parallel to said bottom panel,

i. a pair of end panels each having a gasket well containing compressible gasket means and shaped to receive and engage one end of the bottom and side panel assembly in its open position in watertight relation, and

j. attachment means for securing said end panels to said bottom and side panels to form a watertight boat.

2. The foldable boat described in claim 1 wherein,

a. the clamp outwardly facing bearing surface forms an acute angle with the upper surface of the bottom panel,

b. the lower end of the side panel has an inwardly extending toe section with a lower face, an upper face and an inner end, said lower and upper faces having approximately the same angular relationship as that between said bottom panel upper surface and said clamp bearing surface such that when the bottom and side assembly is in its open position, said toe section lower and upper faces will respectively engage said bottom panel upper surface and clamp bearing surface to substantially prevent relative vertical movement between said side panel lower end and said bottom panel, and

c. The bottom panel outside edges each have an upwardly extending flange, and wherein the lower ends of the side panels each have an outwardly facing heel portion whereby said flange will engage said heel portion when said bottom and side assembly is in its open position to maintain said toe portion inner end against said gasket means and to substantially prevent relative horizontal movement between said side panel lower end and said bottom panel.

3. The foldable boat specified in claim 1 wherein keel means are attached to the lower surface of at least one of said bottom panels to cover and protect the inside edges of said bottom panels when said bottom and side assembly is in its open position.

4. The foldable boat described in claim 1 wherein transverse rib means are removably attached to said bottom and side assembly for rigidly maintaining said assembly in its open position.

5. The foldable boat described in claim 4 wherein the rib means includes at least one generally U-shaped rigid n'b extending transversely across said bottom and side assembly and shaped to conform to and bear against the upper surfaces of said bottom panels and the inside surfaces of side panels, when said bottom and side assembly is in its open position, and attachment means for securing said rib to said panels to retain said assembly in its open position.

6. The foldable boat described in claim 1 wherein a seat having an upper surface, a pair of opposed ends and a transverse edge extends transversely between the side panels of said boat with said transverse edge positioned adjacent to one ofthe end panels ofsaid boat, said end panel having means extending transversely thereof for engaging the adjacent transverse edge of said seat to support said seat and substantially prevent said seat from moving longitudinally with respect to said boat, said boat side panels having means for removably engaging the opposed ends of said seat in fixed relation to support said seat and prevent said seat from moving longitudinally with respect to said side panels.

7. In a foldable boat, a pair of elongated bottom panels each having an upper surface and an inside edge, one of said panel inside edges having a groove extending longitudinally thereof, and the other said panel inside edge having a tongue extending longitudinally thereof to engage said groove when said inside edges are in abutment, hinge means comprising a strip of flexible, water-resistant material secured to the upper surfaces of said panels adjacent to said panel inside edges to permit said bottom panels to be pivoted between an open position wherein said inside edges are substantially in abutment and a closed position wherein said bottom panels are approximately parallel, and compressible gasket means secured to one of said panel inside edges such that said gasket means will be compressed between said panel inside edges when said edges are in abutment to provide a watertight seal between said panels.

8. The device described in claim 7 wherein the bottom panels each have a lower surface, and wherein keel means are attached to at least one of said lower surfaces for covering and protecting the gasket means and inside edges of said panels when said edges are in abutment.

9. In a folding boat,

a. a pair of elongated bottom panels each having an upper surface and an outside edge,

b. a pair of elongated side panels each of which is hingedly connected to one of said bottom panels, each said side panel having an inside surface and a lower end,

c. a stationary clamp attached to the upper surface of each said bottom panel and extending parallel to said panel outside edge for substantially the length of said panel, said clamp having an outwardly facing bearing surface,

11. compressible side gasket means located adjacent to each said clamp outside bearing surface,

e. side hinge means comprising a strip of flexible water-resistant material secured to each said side panel inside surface above said lower end and to the clamp of the connected bottom panel to permit said connected bottom and side panels to be pivoted between an open position wherein said side panel lower end presses said side gasket means against said clamp outer bearing surface to provide a watertight seal between said side panel and said bottom panel, and a closed position wherein said side panel is folded approximately parallel to said bottom panel.

10. The device described in claim 9 wherein,

a. the clamp outwardly facing bearing surface fonns an acute angle with the upper surface of the bottom panel, and

b. the lower end of the side panel has an inwardly extending toe section with a lower face, an upper face and an inner end, said lower and upper faces having approximately the same angular relationship as that between said bottom panel upper surface and said clamp-bearing surface, such that when the bottom and side assembly is in its open position, said toe section lower and upper faces will respectively engage said bottom panel upper surface and clamp-bearing surface to substantially prevent relative said heel portion when said bottom and side assembly is in its open position to maintain said toe portion inner end against said gasket means, and to substantially prevent relative horizontal movement between said side panel lower end and said bottom panel. 

1. A foldable boat, comprising: a. a bottom and side assembly comprising a pair of elongated bottom panels connected along adjacent edges in hinged relation and a pair of side panels each of which is hingedly connected to one of said bottom panels, b. each of said bottom panels having an inside edge, an outside edge, an upper surface and a lower surface, one of said panel inside edges having a groove extending longitudinally thereof, and the other said panel inside edge having a tongue extending longitudinally thereof to engage said groove when said inside edges are in abutment, c. a compressible bottom gasket secured to one of said panel inside edges, d. a strip of flexible, water-resistant material secured to the upper surfaces of said bottom panels adjacent to said inside edges to provide bottom hinge means for permitting said bottom panels to be pivoted between an open position wherein said inside edges are substantially in abutment with said bottom gasket compressed therebetween to provide a watertight seal between said bottom panels, and a closed position wherein said bottom panels are approximately parallel, e. each said side panel having an inside surface and a lower end, f. a stationary clamp attached to the upper surface of each said bottom panel and extending parallel to said panel outside edge for substantially the length of said panel, said clamp having an outwardly facing bearing surface, g. compressibly side gasket means located adjacent to each said clamp outside bearing surface, h. a strip of flexible, water-resistant material secured to each said side panel inside surface above said lower end and to the clamp of the connected bottom panel to provide side hinge means for permitting said panels to Be pivoted between an open position wherein each said side panel lower end presses said side gasket means against said clamp outer bearing surface to provide a watertight seal between said side panel and said bottom panel, and a closed position wherein said side panel is folded approximately parallel to said bottom panel, i. a pair of end panels each having a gasket well containing compressible gasket means and shaped to receive and engage one end of the bottom and side panel assembly in its open position in watertight relation, and j. attachment means for securing said end panels to said bottom and side panels to form a watertight boat.
 2. The foldable boat described in claim 1 wherein, a. the clamp outwardly facing bearing surface forms an acute angle with the upper surface of the bottom panel, b. the lower end of the side panel has an inwardly extending toe section with a lower face, an upper face and an inner end, said lower and upper faces having approximately the same angular relationship as that between said bottom panel upper surface and said clamp bearing surface such that when the bottom and side assembly is in its open position, said toe section lower and upper faces will respectively engage said bottom panel upper surface and clamp bearing surface to substantially prevent relative vertical movement between said side panel lower end and said bottom panel, and c. The bottom panel outside edges each have an upwardly extending flange, and wherein the lower ends of the side panels each have an outwardly facing heel portion whereby said flange will engage said heel portion when said bottom and side assembly is in its open position to maintain said toe portion inner end against said gasket means and to substantially prevent relative horizontal movement between said side panel lower end and said bottom panel.
 3. The foldable boat specified in claim 1 wherein keel means are attached to the lower surface of at least one of said bottom panels to cover and protect the inside edges of said bottom panels when said bottom and side assembly is in its open position.
 4. The foldable boat described in claim 1 wherein transverse rib means are removably attached to said bottom and side assembly for rigidly maintaining said assembly in its open position.
 5. The foldable boat described in claim 4 wherein the rib means includes at least one generally U-shaped rigid rib extending transversely across said bottom and side assembly and shaped to conform to and bear against the upper surfaces of said bottom panels and the inside surfaces of side panels, when said bottom and side assembly is in its open position, and attachment means for securing said rib to said panels to retain said assembly in its open position.
 6. The foldable boat described in claim 1 wherein a seat having an upper surface, a pair of opposed ends and a transverse edge extends transversely between the side panels of said boat with said transverse edge positioned adjacent to one of the end panels of said boat, said end panel having means extending transversely thereof for engaging the adjacent transverse edge of said seat to support said seat and substantially prevent said seat from moving longitudinally with respect to said boat, said boat side panels having means for removably engaging the opposed ends of said seat in fixed relation to support said seat and prevent said seat from moving longitudinally with respect to said side panels.
 7. In a foldable boat, a pair of elongated bottom panels each having an upper surface and an inside edge, one of said panel inside edges having a groove extending longitudinally thereof, and the other said panel inside edge having a tongue extending longitudinally thereof to engage said groove when said inside edges are in abutment, hinge means comprising a strip of flexible, water-resistant material secured to the upper surfaces of said panels adjacent to said panel inside edges to permit said bottom panels to be pivoted between an open positiOn wherein said inside edges are substantially in abutment and a closed position wherein said bottom panels are approximately parallel, and compressible gasket means secured to one of said panel inside edges such that said gasket means will be compressed between said panel inside edges when said edges are in abutment to provide a watertight seal between said panels.
 8. The device described in claim 7 wherein the bottom panels each have a lower surface, and wherein keel means are attached to at least one of said lower surfaces for covering and protecting the gasket means and inside edges of said panels when said edges are in abutment.
 9. In a folding boat, a. a pair of elongated bottom panels each having an upper surface and an outside edge, b. a pair of elongated side panels each of which is hingedly connected to one of said bottom panels, each said side panel having an inside surface and a lower end, c. a stationary clamp attached to the upper surface of each said bottom panel and extending parallel to said panel outside edge for substantially the length of said panel, said clamp having an outwardly facing bearing surface, d. compressible side gasket means located adjacent to each said clamp outside bearing surface, e. side hinge means comprising a strip of flexible water-resistant material secured to each said side panel inside surface above said lower end and to the clamp of the connected bottom panel to permit said connected bottom and side panels to be pivoted between an open position wherein said side panel lower end presses said side gasket means against said clamp outer bearing surface to provide a watertight seal between said side panel and said bottom panel, and a closed position wherein said side panel is folded approximately parallel to said bottom panel.
 10. The device described in claim 9 wherein, a. the clamp outwardly facing bearing surface forms an acute angle with the upper surface of the bottom panel, and b. the lower end of the side panel has an inwardly extending toe section with a lower face, an upper face and an inner end, said lower and upper faces having approximately the same angular relationship as that between said bottom panel upper surface and said clamp-bearing surface, such that when the bottom and side assembly is in its open position, said toe section lower and upper faces will respectively engage said bottom panel upper surface and clamp-bearing surface to substantially prevent relative vertical movement between said side panel lower end and said bottom panel.
 11. The device described in claim 10 wherein the bottom panel outside edges each have an upwardly extending flange, and wherein the lower ends of the side panels each have an outwardly facing heel portion whereby said flange will engage said heel portion when said bottom and side assembly is in its open position to maintain said toe portion inner end against said gasket means, and to substantially prevent relative horizontal movement between said side panel lower end and said bottom panel. 